PLANT COSTUS VARIEGATE AND CARE FOR IT IN HOME CONDITIONS

Recently purchased a variegated costus, but I don't know anything about him. Will I cope with its content?

Galina ROMANOVA

COSTUS VARIOUS-PHOTO

This herb is easy to care for.. It's harder to create conditions for him, close to natural. It's hard to keep the leaves in winter: costus throws them off and falls into a state of rest.

Does not tolerate flower drought in any form. As soon as the top layer of the soil dries up, it's time to water. In cold weather - less often: let the soil dry a couple of centimeters.

High air humidity is important for a plant. (spraying and wet expanded clay will play a role, but it won't be enough) and a place away from the battery. Except as a bathroom, practically nothing will suit him.

The costus needs lighting as bright and diffused as possible. Artificial light will do it well., if the lamp is located above the plant at a height 10-20 cm.

Thermophilic plant, although it can grow in the garden all summer, but it will not be able to winter there - it will freeze.

Prefers loose soil, moisture and breathable, eg, 70% coconut fiber and 30% baking powder. Fiber can be replaced with universal primer (50/50).

Pick up a deep, narrow pot.

– During the period of foliage growth, the plant is fed with mineral fertilizers with an equal nitrogen content, potassium and phosphorus, a lot of trace elements. As soon as budding begins, are being replaced by mixtures for flowering. In winter, it can be processed only with microelements - "Domotsvet", "Citovit".

INTERESTING ABOUT REPRODUCTION

You can get young plants with bulbills (air tubers in leaf axils). They are laid out on the ground, and in humid warm conditions they take root quickly. But do not rush to reload new copies., let them settle down well.

PLANT COSTUS – VIDEO

© Author: Lilia MALTSEVA, agrochemist, collector, r. Novy Oskol